Buying grass-fed meat? These are the 4 best online stores.
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Leesduur: 14 min
Grass-fed beef is on the rise, and for good reason. The animals eat what they're supposed to eat naturally (grass) and often live in a natural environment.
Not only will you taste this in the flavour, it will also be better for your health and animal welfare.
But what does "grass-fed" actually mean? And how do you know if it's truly true when you order online?
In this article, I explain what to look out for and recommend four online stores where you can buy responsibly sourced grass-fed beef.
Grass-fed beef: Cows graze freely on pastures, eating only grass and hay, living more naturally and producing meat with better taste and quality.
The meat contains more omega-3, CLA and antioxidants, is lean, more animal-friendly and has a lower environmental impact than meat from intensive livestock farming.
When making your purchase, pay attention to quality marks, clear information, and the packaging. Discover the four best online stores for reliable grass-fed beef here.
Table of contents
What is grass-fed beef? Is there also grass-fed sheep and goat meat? Why would you choose grass-fed meat? 1. Grass-fed beef is healthier 2. Grass-fed beef is better for animal welfare 3. Grass-fed beef is better for the environment Buying grass-fed meat: What to look for? 1. Look for the Grass-Fed quality mark 2. Look for the terms "100% grass-fed" or "grass-finished" 3. Choose transparency from the supplier 4. Look for organic or biodynamic quality marks 5. Look at the color of the meat and fat 6. Pay attention to delivery and packaging The 4 best online stores to buy grass-fed beef 1. Zorg & Natuur 2. Scottish Highlanders 3. Eerlijk Eten 4. Vlees van Ons Frequently asked questions about ordering grass-fed meat 1. What is the difference between grass-fed meat and natural meat? 2. Grass-fed or organic meat: What is the difference? 3. Is grass-fed meat also suitable for freezing? 4. Why is meat often vacuum-packed? 5. What's the best way to defrost grass-fed meat?
What is grass-fed beef?
Grass-fed beef comes from cattle that spend their days grazing on pastures and natural lands. No concentrates, grains, or soy, just grass as nature intended.
It also means these animals get more exercise, can grow up peacefully, and calves can often stay with their mothers longer, without being fattened up in a short time. For me, that's a win-win situation: a fairer life for the animal, and better quality meat for me.
Good to know : The term "grass-fed" isn't legally protected in Europe. What it exactly means varies by farmer or supplier. I'll tell you more about this later!
Is there also grass-fed sheep and goat meat?
Yes, absolutely! Sheep and goats naturally eat grass. But when we talk about grass-fed meat, we usually mean beef. That's because cows in the livestock industry are often not fed grass, but corn, grains, or soy instead.
For cattle, a grass-fed diet makes the biggest difference, both for the animal and the environment. That's why I'll focus primarily on grass-fed beef in this article.
Why choose grass-fed meat?
Fortunately, more and more people are choosing grass-fed meat for the following benefits:
- Nutritional value (healthier)
- Animal welfare
- The environment
1. Grass-fed beef is healthier
Scientific studies show that grass-fed beef has a more favorable nutritional profile than grain-fed beef:
- More Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Grass-fed beef contains up to 2 to 5 times more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef. These fatty acids are naturally found in grass and are stored in the fat of the meat through the animal's diet.(1)
- More CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) - CLA is a fatty acid found in meat and dairy products from ruminants. Cattle that eat primarily grass have higher CLA levels in their meat. CLA is being studied for its potential effects on body composition and metabolism, but no official health claims have been approved. (1) (2)
- More natural antioxidants and vitamins - Grass naturally contains more substances like beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), vitamin E, and antioxidants like glutathione. Cattle that eat grass absorb these substances, which is why they are also found in higher quantities in their meat. (1) (3)
- Less fat and a different fatty acid composition - Grass-fed meat is generally leaner than grain-fed meat. It contains less saturated fat and more omega-3 fatty acids. The exact amount of fat in the meat depends on factors such as the breed and what the animal ate in the last few weeks before slaughter. (4) (5)
In short : Grass-fed beef contains more of certain nutrients like omega-3s, CLA, and antioxidants, and is often leaner. These differences have been clearly demonstrated in scientific comparisons between grass-fed and grain-fed beef.
2. Grass-fed beef is better for animal welfare
For me, grass-fed meat isn't just about nutritional value, but also about how the animal lived. I prefer meat from animals that have lived a more natural life, with more peace, space, and a diet that suits them.
These are the benefits of grass-fed cattle:
- More space and exercise – The cattle graze outside in the pasture, instead of only in the stable
- Feed them what suits them – grass and hay, not grains or soy. That's better for their digestion and well-being.
- Calves stay with their mothers longer – Grass-fed cattle often stay in family herds and the calves are allowed to stay with their mothers for up to 6 months, which I think is important
- Less intensive husbandry – No fattening or confinement, just peaceful growth
- Comfortable when kept indoors – on straw, not on hard grids
Please note : The exact conditions may vary per farmer.
3. Grass-fed beef is better for the environment
According to the RIVM and Wageningen University, extensive livestock farming, such as organic grass-fed meat, has a lower environmental impact than intensive systems.
Animals live outdoors, eat grass from existing pastures, and grow at their own pace, without concentrated feed or artificial fertilizers. This results in lower emissions, less manure surplus, and often increased biodiversity.
It's important that the grassland already exists and that no supplementary feed is used. Within the beef category, grass-fed is therefore a more sustainable choice, although meat generally remains more environmentally damaging than plant-based alternatives. (6)
Buying grass-fed meat: What should you look out for?
Want to be sure you're buying genuine grass-fed beef? Then pay attention to the following points:
1. Look for the Grass-Fed quality mark
Because the term "grass-fed" isn't legally protected, the word on the label doesn't tell you everything. Fortunately, there are private certifications that do apply clear rules and oversee compliance, such as the Grasvoeders certification.
Do you see this quality mark? Then you know the beef comes from animals raised according to strict standards for nutrition, animal welfare, and provenance. While it's not an official EU quality mark , it does offer transparency and reliability.
This is what the Grasvoeders quality mark says about the meat you buy:
- At least 95% of the feed consists of grass or hay
- The remaining 5% may consist of natural by-products , such as beet pulp or alfalfa
- Grain , soy , corn or wheat are not allowed
Clear rules also apply in the area of animal welfare:
- Calves remain with their mother for at least 5 months
- Cattle live in social herds with ample pasture space
- Any stable period is on straw, not on slats
- Slaughtering takes place at a small-scale butcher shop
2. Note the terms “100% grass-fed” or “grass-finished”
There's no legally recognized certification yet in Europe for the terms 100% grass-fed or grass-finished . In principle, anyone can use these terms, which sometimes makes it difficult to know exactly what you're buying.
However, the terms are often used correctly:
- 100% grass-fed means that the animal has eaten only grass or hay its entire life, so no grain or concentrates, not even just before slaughter
- Grass-finished specifically emphasizes that the animal was also fed exclusively with grass in the last period, while many cattle are then fed additional grain to grow faster.
Want to be sure the claims are accurate? Check if the provider provides additional information about the diet, or ask for it.
3. Choose transparency from the provider
Therefore, choose a webshop or farm that is open about how their animals are raised.
Reputable suppliers are honest about what the animals were fed, even in the final weeks before slaughter. The more details you get about the animals' origins, lifestyle, and diet, the better.
Buying meat in a brick-and-mortar store? Just ask the butcher. A reliable salesperson will be happy to tell you.
4. Look for organic or biodynamic labels
If you don't see "100% grass-fed" or "grass-fed" on the packaging, but you do see an organic certification mark like Skal or the EU organic logo , you're usually still in the right place.
This is because with certified organic meat, the animal was fed organic feed, such as grass and hay. The rules regarding lifestyle also overlap: the animal had more living space and spent at least 60 days outdoors per year. That's already considerably better than regular meat.
Demeter takes things a step further. The requirements are very similar to those of 100% grass-fed: primarily grass, hay, and herbs, minimal concentrates, calves with their mothers for longer, and herds that live naturally. While it's not guaranteed to be entirely grass-fed, it often comes close.
Note : Some suppliers, such as Scottish Highlanders, deliberately choose not to have an official organic certification, even though their practices are actually more natural and transparent. Think of 100% grass-fed, a long nursing period with the mother, no concentrated feed, and living in family herds. In such cases, the absence of a certification doesn't tell the whole story; always consult the farmer or supplier's explanation.
5. Look at the color of meat and fat
Grass-fed meat is often deep red in color (due to increased myoglobin), and the fat has a yellowish tinge (due to beta-carotene from grass). If you buy from a butcher or farm shop, you can usually see this clearly.
If you order online, check if the webshop shows clear, unfiltered photos that allow you to recognize these color differences.
And when in doubt: Just ask. Trustworthy and proud farmers are happy to tell you how their animals were fed.
6. Pay attention to delivery and packaging
When ordering meat online, not only the origin is important, but also how it arrives to you.
Grass-fed beef should be delivered properly chilled or frozen , in sturdy, insulated packaging.
Check if the store provides clear information about refrigeration, packaging materials, and delivery dates. Some online stores only deliver on specific days or to a limited area.
Bonus points for stores that use reusable cooling packaging or environmentally friendly materials.
The 4 Best Online Stores to Buy Grass-Fed Beef
I understand, it can be quite confusing with all those different terms, quality marks and labels.
That's why I've researched four online stores that sell genuine grass-fed beef. At these stores, you'll buy meat from farmers who genuinely care about their animals, the environment, and what ends up on your plate.
No guilt, just good food you can support.
1. Care & Nature
Zorg & Natuur began as "Natuurlijk Beheer," an organization that maintained nature reserves with shepherds and sheep. In 2007, the company expanded to include cattle such as Highland cattle and Black Angus to graze nature reserves on a larger scale.
Because not all the animals could stay, the webshop for natural meat was born. Dirk de Bruin and Bernie de Weerd are now the face of the company.
Strongest point
Certified grass-fed natural meat with social impact
Other plus points
- Grass-fed quality mark and IKB Beef certification (food safety, animal welfare, traceability)
- Collaboration with Staatsbosbeheer (Natural Grassland Certification)
- Part of the meat is organically certified
- Sustainable frozen packaging
- Delivery from Monday to Saturday, choice of day or evening delivery
- Pick-up is also possible at 6 locations
- Social cooperation with the Phusis Foundation: People with a care need or distance to the labor market contribute to the care of the animals, nature management and the shipping of the meat
2. Scottish Highlanders
A personal mission for honest meat. Jelwin Kuipers is the passionate farmer behind Schotsehooglanders.nl. Based in Opende, Groningen, he and his team care for the cattle daily, which live year-round in vast nature reserves.
Strongest point
100% grass-fed natural meat, without compromise
Other plus points
- Cattle live in family herds all year round outdoors in herb-rich nature reserves
- Family business with a personal approach
- Frozen delivery within 2 working days (Monday to Saturday)
- Scheduling possible up to 2 weeks in advance
- Collection possible during collection days (once every 6 weeks)
- No organic quality mark, but stricter than organic in many respects
Negative point
Minimum order of 3 kg due to frozen transport
3. Honest Food
Eerlijk Eten (Fair Food) is a network of more than 30 Dutch farmers and partners. Their mission: To reconnect consumers and the countryside through fair, locally, and transparently produced food.
Strongest point
Grass-fed natural meat straight from the farmer, with a clear origin
Other plus points
- Clear communication about origin and nutrition
- Understanding the farms and farmers behind the meat
- Bi-weekly meat box subscriptions, choose your own delivery day
- You can also order individual products
Negative point
Limited delivery times: Currently, deliveries are only possible on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
4. Meat from Us
Vlees van Ons (Our Meat) began with a simple idea from founder Robert: Why not eat cattle that have truly had a good life? He found them close to home, grazing in nature reserves along the Vecht River. These cows lived in peace, were fed only grass, and grew up at their own pace.
What started with dividing one cow among friends grew into a successful online store.
Strongest point
Honest 100% natural meat from cattle from peaceful nature reserves
Other plus points
- Small-scale slaughter close to home, without transport stress
- Cattle are fed only grass, herbs and flowers
- Sale of packages or individual pieces of meat
- Personal, small-scale and founded on idealism
- Delivery within 3 working days (working days Mon to Fri)
Negative point
Limited information about certifications or working methods on the website
Frequently asked questions about ordering grass-fed meat
Planning to order grass-fed meat but still have questions? Here you'll find clear answers to frequently asked questions, so you'll know exactly what to look for.
1. What is the difference between grass-fed meat and natural meat?
Natural meat and grass-fed meat often overlap, but they don't mean exactly the same thing:
- Grass-fed meat - This refers to what the animal has eaten . Grass-fed meat means the cattle have spent most of their lives eating grass or hay, not grains, soy, or concentrates.
- Natural meat - This primarily tells us something about where the animal lived . Natural meat comes from animals used to manage nature reserves. They roam freely, grazing in herb-rich meadows or rougher terrain, thus contributing to biodiversity.
In practice, much natural meat is also grass-fed, because animals in nature reserves usually eat only grass and herbs. But not all grass-fed meat is natural. Some cows eat only grass but are kept in a farm pasture, not in a nature reserve.
In short : Grass-fed says something about the feed, and natural meat says something about the environment. The best meat, of course, is both grass-fed and sourced from a nature reserve.
2. Grass-Fed vs. Organic Meat: What's the Difference?
The terms organic and grass-fed meat are also often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing.
In Europe, organic is a protected quality mark with clear regulations. Grass-fed is not. A cow can be 100% grass-fed without an organic label, and conversely, organic meat can come from animals that were also fed grain.
These are the main differences:
Power supply
- Organic: Animals are fed organic feed, often a mix of grass, hay and grain
- Grass-fed: Animals eat (preferably 100%) grass, hay and herbs, no grains or concentrates
Lifestyle & grazing
- Organic: At least 60 days a year outside, more space in the stable
- Grass-fed: Often outdoors year-round on grassland or in nature reserves (not mandatory, but common practice with reputable providers)
Antibiotics & medication
- Organic: Only permitted in exceptional cases , with a longer waiting period for slaughter
- Grass-fed: No set rules and dependent on the farmer , but many small-scale operators use no medication at all
Calves with their mothers
- Organic: Calves may be removed from their mothers after one week
- Grass-fed: Some suppliers (such as Scottish Highlanders) have calves stay with their mothers for months in family herds
Organic and grass-fed meat is ideal, of course. That way, you can be sure you're choosing animal welfare and food with a better fatty acid profile.
Good to know : Not every farmer with ethical meat has an organic label. Sometimes they deliberately choose to be, for example, because of the high costs. But that says nothing about the quality or animal welfare. In fact, the conditions are sometimes even better than at certified farms. So listen carefully to the story behind the meat.
3. Is grass-fed meat also suitable for freezing?
Absolutely. Grass-fed beef lends itself perfectly to freezing. In fact, much of the meat is vacuum-packed and frozen immediately after cutting to maintain freshness.
In a normal freezer (-18°C) the meat can be kept for up to 12 months .
Please note : The taste and texture are best retained within 6 to 9 months.
4. Why is meat often vacuum-packed?
Meat that is properly vacuum packed:
- Prevents freezer burn
- Stays tender and tasty for longer
- Can be defrosted faster and more hygienically
5. What is the best way to defrost grass-fed meat?
Let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator (preferably for 24 hours). But if you're in a hurry, you can also soak the packaging in cold water.
Never defrost in warm or room temperature water , as this can damage the structure and promote bacterial growth!
Once thawed , eat it within 2 days and never refreeze the meat unless you've cooked it first (cooked meat can be refrozen).
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Daley, C. A., Abbott, A., Doyle, P. S., Nader, G. A., & Larson, S. (2010b). A review of fatty acid profiles and antioxidant content in grass-fed and grain-fed beef. Nutrition Journal, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-10
- Scientific Opinion on the safety of “conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-rich oil” (Tonalin® TG 80) as a Novel Food ingredient. (2010). EFSA Journal, 8(5), 1600. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1600
- Duckett, SK, Neel, JPS, Lewis, RM, Fontenot, JP, & Clapham, WM (2013). Effects of forage species or concentrated finishing on animal performance, carcass and meat quality1,2. Journal Of Animal Science, 91(3), 1454–1467. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2012-5914
- Van Vliet, S., Provenza, F.D., & Kronberg, S.L. (2021). Health-Promoting Phytonutrients Are Higher in Grass-Fed Meat and Milk. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2020.555426
- Nogoy, K. M. C., Sun, B., Shin, S., Lee, Y., Li, X. Z., Choi, S. H., & Park, S. (2022). Fatty Acid Composition of Grain- and Grass-Fed Beef and Their Nutritional Value and Health Implication. Food Science Of Animal Resources, 42(1), 18–33. https://doi.org/10.5851/kosfa.2021.e73
- What do we eat in the Netherlands (2012-2016): The ratio of animal and plant foods, proteins, and environmental impact | RIVM. (n.d.). https://www.rivm.nl/publicaties/wat-eten-we-in-nederland-2012-2016-relatie-dierlijk-en-plantaardig-voedsel-eiwitten
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